More bad news has come for Manchester United, disrupting their bid for a top 5 Premier League finish and a UEFA Champions League spot.
On 16 April 2026, Manchester United, currently third in the English Premier League, received bad news ahead of their crucial away match against Chelsea, a rival competing for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot, scheduled for Saturday, 18 April.
The English Football Association (FA) has handed an additional one-match suspension to Manchester United's key defender Harry Maguire for inappropriate conduct following his red card in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on 20 March.
In that match, Maguire fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson, causing Manchester United to concede a penalty in the 78th minute, which led to the 2-2 equalizer. He initially received a one-match ban, missing the recent home defeat to Leeds United 1-2 on Monday, 13 April.
However, the FA has now ordered Maguire to serve an additional one-match suspension for using inappropriate language toward fourth official Matt Donohue while leaving the pitch in the Bournemouth game. Maguire was also fined £30,000 (approximately 1.3 million baht).
Matt Donohue stated in his report to the FA, "As Maguire was exiting the field, he approached me and shouted, 'You're a joke. All of you are a complete joke.'"
Maguire denied these accusations in a written statement, asserting he did not accuse or insult any official and that his words amounted to 'it’s a complete joke.' However, he admitted his behavior was inappropriate and apologized for his remarks.
Initially, the FA considered a two-match additional ban but reduced it to one after considering mitigating factors, including Maguire's acceptance of the charge.
As a result, Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire for their away game against sixth-placed Chelsea. Lisandro Martinez is also suspended following a red card in the recent match for pulling the hair of Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
For the Chelsea match, Manchester United will have only two available center-backs: Lenny Yoro and Aiden Haewen, as Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
